CeO2-supported Pt/Ni catalyst for the renewable and clean H2 production via ethanol steam reforming

[Display omitted] ► Pt/Ni/CeO2 showed promising performance at low temperature. ► The products distribution was close to the equilibrium. ► Few carbon depositions could occur, but not linked to the active sites. ► The water promotes the gasification reactions. ► The reaction pathway includes 6 reactions. The steam reforming of biomass-derived ethanol is a promising method for hydrogen production. It needs the development of efficient catalysts, especially when the reaction is carried out at temperature lower than 600°C. The performances of a bimetallic sample, based on Pt (3wt.%) and Ni (10wt.%) and supported on CeO2 were investigated, in terms of activity, selectivity and stability. Very interesting results were obtained in the range 250–600°C, even with a stoichiometric water/ethanol molar ratio: the ethanol was completely converted at T≥300°C, with a products distribution extremely close to the equilibrium calculations. Moreover, the selectivity towards the desired compounds was very high, and as a consequence, the sample showed a very low coke selectivity (